Aitken, a Blue since 1891, their VFL first captain, and #1 heritage player (on account of alphabetical order) left Carlton under controversial circumstances after a huge loss to Melbourne in the second match of the 1898 season while still captain. He had been dropped due to lack of form and applied for a clearance.

Ironically it was the Fuschias who secured his services a few weeks later and made him the first player in VFL history to turn out for two clubs in the same season.

Aitken played just four games for Melbourne before retiring from senior football.